Sure, you could give the bourbon-fancying dad in your life a nice bottle for Father’s Day. Let’s face it, though, he’s already got more than he can wedge into his whiskey cabinet, and there’s also the real risk of him wanting to tell you all about your gift’s particular mash bill and full biographical details of its master distiller. Instead, consider these bourbon accessories that are practically full proof—sorry, foolproof.
Next-Level Whiskey Glass
There are whiskey glasses, and then there’s the Norlan. Created in 2015 for neat pours, its lightweight, double-walled design cradles a Glencairn-style nosing capsule within an overall tumbler shape. When a pour is swirled, fin-like interior protrusions promote the release of ethanol burn while focusing the notes you do want to nose. There’s even a thicker-than-standard rim that magnifies the whiskey’s amber colors. ($32; norlanglass.com)
Blending Decanter
Anyone, dads included, can be a master blender with this on-trend infinity decanter. The idea is to transfer a bit of each opened bourbon bottle into a common container to create an ongoing “infinity” blend. This heavy-bottomed, one-liter decanter from Cairn Craft features etched markings every two ounces to assist with measuring those contributions. It comes with two stoppers (one glass and one tight-fitting synthetic) and a label sheet to keep track of what’s inside. ($50; cairncraft.com)
Ice Cube Stamp Plate
Brass doesn’t just catch the eye. Its natural thermal conductivity can also quickly stamp a design onto the big, square ice cubes favored by bourbon and cocktail connoisseurs. This engraved brass stamp plate is a step up from a hand stamp, providing multiple patterns including honeycomb and wavy lines. Plates from Stamprints can even incorporate custom designs like an initial or company logo. ($149-$299 depending on number of designs and customization; stamprints.com)
Cocktail Smoker Kit
Seeing someone use a whiskey smoker is like watching a magic trick, but no sleight of hand is required. Aged & Charred’s premium kit comes with an oak lid to cover a cocktail glass or Glencairn, eight wood chip flavors (pecan, mesquite, etc.) to pinch into the lid’s burn chamber, a handheld butane torch to light the chips and direct the smoke into the glass, and a wooden storage box. After a few seconds, liquid and ice are infused with smoky flavor. Ta-da! ($130; agedandcharred.com)
Bottle Display Shelf
In his Louisville Drunkwood workshop, John King repurposes staves from used Kentucky bourbon barrels to craft a variety of functional and decorative items. Among the most popular is a rustically handsome floating shelf made of local red oak, fronted by a curved stave, and perfect for displaying bottles in a home bar or man cave. ($80-$110 depending on shelf length; etsy.com/shop/Drunkwood)
Elevated Flask
Not many flasks look nice enough to sit atop the bar, but the Clayton & Crume original glass flask pulls it off. Credit the break-resistant glass intended to avoid that tarnished taste that cheap metal can impart, the solid brass cap and funnel, and the protective sleeve of English saddle leather in chestnut or black. For a personalized touch, a hand-stamped monogram is included at no extra charge. ($125; claytonandcrume.com)
Pappy Apron
This is the sort of rugged-but-comfortable apron from Pappy & Company that Dad can wear while puttering in the workshop or manning the grill with libation in hand. Constructed of sturdy olive-green cotton canvas with gold waist ties and an adjustable neck strap, it features chest and lap pockets and a utility loop for towels or tongs. And that retro Pappy Van Winkle patch? Just a subtle reminder that, yes, he’d like to unwrap a bottle someday. ($130; pappyco.com)
Steve Russell is a Garden & Gun contributing editor who also has written for Men’s Journal, Life, Rolling Stone, and Playboy. Born in Mississippi and raised in Tennessee, he resided in New Orleans and New York City before settling down in Charlottesville, Virginia, because it’s far enough south that biscuits are an expected component of a good breakfast.
